The candidates are looking to take over the seat once Davis Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada's term is up at the end of the year.

After introductory remarks, the League posed three questions to candidates, who had three minutes each to respond. During the second half of the program audience-generated questions were asked.

n "As an Assemblymember how will you support the city of Woodland and Yolo County goal of preserving agricultural land, and important economic development tool for the city, the county and the state and open space while balancing competing interests? Include your position on Williamson Act funding."

Each candidate, in his turn, expressed support of restoring Williamson Act funding.

"Ag is really a unifying aspect of this district," said Wolk, who added that promoting agri-tourism, ag research and farm to school programs is also important. He also advocated smart growth -- referencing Davis' Cannery Project which includes sustainable housing.

"Frankly, this is all about having sustainable programs in the cities and Yolo County," remarked Dodd, who is a "big believer" in local control.

"There's no question agriculture is what defines this district," said Krovoza.

Urban supports rural with open markets and affordable housing, he added, while rural supports urban with jobs and open space.

Schaupp, who hails from a fourth generation Yolo County farming family, noted the importance of the soil, saying the No. 1 steward of the soil are farmers.

n "California is one of the few states that does not regulate groundwater pumping and use. In light of the current drought and ongoing concern that climate change will exacerbate California's water situation, do you think California should rethink how it manages and regulates groundwater? If so -- how?"

"I do feel we're at a tipping point with groundwater," Wolk responded, adding that groundwater is most effectively managed at the local level, and that communities need funds from the state to make sure it's properly managed.

Krovoza, who studied water law at UC Davis, responded that there is definitely a need to preserve groundwater, especially for agriculture, and that ag groundwater and urban groundwater are "two different animals" to him.

"The communities of Woodland and Davis have absolutely got it right with the surface water project," he said.

Schaupp mentioned that groundwater is in part a property rights issue, while Dodd said "I think every issue we have is worth re-thinking."

n "How would you as a state legislator address the changing demographics of the state?"

Both Krovoza and Wolk agreed that two of the biggest trends that need to be addressed are the aging population and the Latino population. Latinos are 39 percent of California's population, said Krovoza, and there needs to be a path to citizenship for undocumented people. He is also a proponent of duel-immersion programs.

Wolk said the majority of the children in the school district are Latino, and that there is a significant achievement gap, noting one-fourth of all Latino high school students drop out. He also advocates for a universal pre-school.

Dodd also acknowledged the aging trend, and gave a nod to outgoing Assemblywoman Yamada for all her work regarding aging rights. He also said that creating more jobs should be "our mantra."

Schaupp believes it's important to return control back to local counties, that the best government is local government.

He added, "There is only one race; the human race. We need to be Americans first and Californians second."

The program concluded with a brief recess and questions from the audience.

The Assembly forum was the first of four sessions put on by the League of Women Voters. Each of the forums are for candidates running for office in the June 3 primary election.

On Tuesday, the forum for Yolo County Superintendent of Schools and Yolo County Clerk Recorder/Assesor candidates will begin at 7 p.m., at the Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East St.

The following night, Wednesday, April 30, Woodland City Council candidates will participate in the forum beginning at 7 p.m., also at the Community Center.

Finally, on Wednesday, May 7, the candidates forum for Yolo Superior Court Judge will convene at 7 p.m.